5 Essential Tips for Caring for Your Horse During the Winter Season

Winter brings many challenges for horse owners and riders. Cold temperatures, icy conditions, and shorter daylight hours require extra attention to keep horses healthy and happy. Proper winter horse care helps prevent illness and supports the overall well-being of your horse. Here are five practical tips to help you care for your horse effectively during the colder months.

Keep Hay Available with Hay Nets

Horses generate body heat through digesting forage, so having hay available throughout the day is very important. Using hay nets allows horses to eat slowly and continuously, mimicking natural grazing behavior. This not only supports digestion but also reduces hay waste by preventing horses from trampling on it or pulling out large amounts at once.

When setting up hay nets, hang them high enough to prevent your horse getting a hoof caught, but not so high that it strains your horse’s neck. Depending on your horse's needs, choose nets with smaller holes to slow down consumption and extend feeding time. This steady intake of forage helps maintain body temperature and keeps your horse calm and happy during long winter days. We love Hay Chix nets around here, so be sure to use code JewellC20 at checkout for 20% off!

Consider Using Blankets and Sheets

Blankets and sheets provide an extra layer of warmth and protection from wind, rain, and snow. However, not every horse needs a blanket. Consider your horse’s age, health, coat thickness, and the environment before deciding.

Older horses or those with thin coats or a lower weight may benefit from a medium-weight or heavyweight blanket. Horses with thick winter coats that live in sheltered areas might only need a light sheet or no covering at all. Always check your horse regularly to ensure they are comfortable and dry. Wet blankets can cause chills and skin problems, so replace or remove them as needed. I only use a blanket or sheet when there is going to be cold precipitation. Horses "puff" up their coat to create an insulation layer, but when the coat gets wet and flattened down, they can't insulate themselves. This is why it's beneficial to use a blanket or turnout sheet during times of precipitation.

Protect Buckles with Safety Covers

If your horse wears a blanket, safety is a priority. Buckle safety covers, like those from Hay Chix, prevent your horse from getting caught on hay nets or other objects. These covers shield the buckles on blankets, reducing the risk of injury or getting snagged on something.

Using buckle covers is a simple step that can prevent accidents in the barn or pasture. They are especially useful when horses are turned out with hay nets or in areas with fencing and equipment that could catch on exposed buckles. Watch the video below to see how these work!

Use Heated Buckets to Keep Water Ice-Free

Access to fresh, unfrozen water is critical in winter. Horses need to have access to fresh water to stay hydrated and support digestion. Frozen water buckets can discourage drinking and lead to dehydration, which increases the risk of colic and other health issues.

Heated buckets keep water above freezing, ensuring your horse always has access to liquid water. These buckets plug into a power source and maintain a safe temperature. Place them in sheltered areas to protect cords and equipment from weather damage. Regularly check the water cleanliness to encourage consistent drinking.

Adjust Horseshoes for Winter Conditions

Winter weather can make footing slippery and dangerous. If your horse wears shoes, consider removing them during winter or switching to snow pads or special winter horseshoes designed for icy or snowy conditions. Snow pads prevent snow from packing into the hoof, which can cause discomfort.

Specific shoes for the snow often have studs or traction devices that improve grip on ice and snow. Consult your farrier to choose the best option for your horse’s needs and the terrain they will encounter. Proper hoof care and shoeing reduce the risk of falls and injuries during winter activities.

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